In Aotearoa New Zealand, childhood immunisations are recommended to begin at 6 weeks of age to protect tamariki (children) from serious but preventable diseases. These vaccinations are free for all children and young people up to 18 years old.

📅 Check the schedule:
To find out when your child is due for their immunisations and what each vaccine protects against, view the current National Immunisation Schedule.

Why immunisation is important

Prevent tamariki and adults from getting very sick or needing hospital care

Save lives by protecting against deadly but preventable diseases

Reduce the risk of long-term health issues or disabilities caused by illness

Protect vulnerable whānau members with weaker immune systems

Keep your wider community safe by reducing the spread of disease — this is known as herd immunity

Minimise time off work or school due to illness in the whānau

Catching up on vaccinations

Timely immunisation — especially in the first five years — is important to build early protection. However, if your child has missed any vaccines, most can still be caught up.

Need more information?

If you’d like to know more about immunisations talk to your GP, nurse, or visit Health New Zealand.